Multimillion makeover for Maldon: 30-year aspiration makes good

Maldon heritage streetscape is the big winner in this week’s $4.5 million state government announcement made in the centre of the historic tourist town. Wednesday’s announcement by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards will soon see the town’s main and high streets powerlines go underground as part of a major streetscaping rejuvenation plan that’s been decades in the making. “This is a pretty exciting announcement,” said Ms Edwards, acknowledging significant work done behind the scenes by the Mount Alexander Shire Council toward making the project happen. “Stage one will be able to start pretty soon and includes the undergrounding of the powerlines down the main street.” Improved pedestrian access and safety, footpath and guttering works, rejuvenation of shopfronts and beautification including tree plantings are all part of the multi-phase project with phase one now expected to begin in coming weeks. “It’s a very exciting day. This has been a 30-year aspiration of this local community,” Mount Alexander Shire’s Tarrengower ward councillor, Maldon businessman Stephen Gardner said. Maldon Inc president Kate Gamble said all works will be done within a heritage framework, with guidance from heritage professionals and with heritage features, like the town’s historic stone drains, retained. The long-envisioned project is securing the $4.5 million as part of the state’s $2.7 billion Building Works package aimed at creating jobs and delivering infrastructure improvements. There’s an emphasis on recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. More in today’s Castlemaine Mail. Friday, May 22, 2020.